A NEW SCHOOL YEAR, A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BREAK THE SILENCE ON RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE

The start of a new school year should be full of possibility, but for many students, it’s a time when relationship violence emotional, verbal, physical, silently takes hold. It's not always obvious, but it’s real, and it’s affecting students every day. Read more on how we can create a safer campus and a stronger community.

Abuse isn’t always physical. Financial abuse experienced in nearly all relationship violence is one of the most powerful tools an abuser can use to maintain control.



Our latest blog explores how money can be weaponized in relationships, and why support systems are so critical in helping survivors break free.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE:

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Join the movement today!

Contact us at humanity@humanoptions.org.

How can I directly support a survivor of relationship violence?

How can my family and I support a survivor and their family?

How can my company make our community safer for survivors?

How can I influence my networks to make change for survivors?

Humanity in Action is Human Options’ volunteer-powered movement to end relationship violence in Orange County. From advocacy to hands-on help, there’s a role for everyone in this collective effort. Learn more and find your place in the movement.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:

SUNWEST BANK EMPOWERS SURVIVORS THROUGH FINANCIAL LITERACY

“I never thought I’d understand budgeting. Now I feel like I can take care of my kids and plan for our future.”

- Survivor

Sunwest Bank has become a catalyst for financial empowerment at Human Options, partnering with us to develop a customized curriculum that meets the unique needs of survivors recovering from financial abuse. Their team of volunteers leads biweekly workshops at our Emergency Shelter, guiding participants through budgeting, credit education, and financial planning—all with compassion and trauma-informed care.

This transformative partnership is powered by Kevin Fuhrmann, Vice President at Sunwest Bank, who not only designed the curriculum but also organizes volunteers and works one-on-one with survivors to help them navigate complex financial challenges. His leadership ensures that every session is tailored, practical, and deeply impactful.

Beyond their hands-on support, Sunwest Bank has also invested in our Acceleration Campaign to accelerate the pathway to safe and stable housing for survivors. Their commitment—through both funding and volunteerism—is helping families rebuild with dignity, independence, and hope.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SPONSOR, SHARE, SUPPORT:

2025 ANNUAL FALL LUNCHEON

Join us on October 10, 2025, for our Annual Fall Luncheon! Together, we'll uplift survivor voices, raise awareness about relationship violence, and advance our mission.

We’re honored to welcome our keynote speaker, April Hernandez Castillo, whose journey shines the light on teens overcoming relationship violence.

April is an author, actress, and speaker whose powerful memoir, Embracing Me, chronicles her journey as a teen survivor of intimate partner violence through resilience, courage, and transformation. From the streets of the Bronx to celebrated roles in Freedom Writers and Dexter, April is a voice for survivors everywhere, reminding us that we have the power to rewrite our story. She takes the audience behind the scenes to the most intimate parts of her life and uses her voice and humor to ignite, empower, and educate her audience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that will remind us of all the extraordinary power we hold to create change.

If you or someone your know is in need of help, call: 1-877-854-3594

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